Hi all!
Today I am reviewing new-release, horror: Night Swim. It hit cinemas in Australia this month, allowing me the pleasure of seeing it on the big screen. It follows a former baseball player, who moves into a new home with his family. It’s perfect for his children, except for one thing – the backyard pool is haunted and eager for fresh blood. Without further ado, let’s get into it!
WHAT WORKED:
The film had some beautiful overhead and underwater shots. I especially liked the diving board scene. A haunted pool can be very limiting, but production made sure to use every inch of the outdoor structure. I also enjoyed the drama. Every member of the family had their own point of view, which is rare for a horror. I would recommend Night Swim for a fun night out with friends.
WHAT DIDN’T WORK:
My biggest issue lay with the dialogue and special effects. Both were quite corny and cringy, eliminating a lot of the horror elements I was hoping for. I would have liked further exploration of the lore. I also struggled with the pacing. The ending itself was far too rushed. Given the circumstances, the family didn’t appear nearly as devastated as they should have been. Finally, I felt Wyatt Russell as Ray Waller wasn’t the best casting choice. He mumbled a lot, making it difficult to understand him. He could have gone much harder with his role. Ironically, given his former profession as a baseball star, he played it too safe.
OVERALL STAR RATING:
I gave it 3.5/5 stars. It’s a run-of-the-mill horror film. Not the worst thing I’ve seen this year, but it definitely won’t be the best.
Thank you so much for reading! Have you seen Night Swim?
Peace & Love xoxo